by Gaius Tan, Primary School Counsellor, Lakeside -

To many Singaporean men, National Service is one of the most important chapters in their lives. Compulsory military service is not common in many places around the world, so we’re pleased that CIS Primary School Counsellor, Gaius Tan, has chosen to share his experience and views of national service with the CIS community.

Hello, my name is Gaius Tan and I am the primary school counsellor at Lakeside Campus. Recently, I was called up to serve my National Service obligation for a period of three weeks. As you may know, being a Singaporean citizen, every able-bodied male Singaporean has to complete two years of mandatory national service along with several weeks each year for ten years. These shorter periods are called ‘cycles’.

Since Singapore’s independence in 1965, National Service has been the cornerstone of Singapore’s defence. It is a tradition which forms the foundation for regular armed forces and our ability to protect the island state. I must say that I am proud to be able to follow in the footsteps of our pioneer generation and take over the baton to defend and secure. In times to come, my children and my children’s children will continue in this endeavor and will be prepared to be called upon when needed.

This is the ninth year of my ten-year cycle, which is of particular importance as this is the only year I will be operationally deployed in the actual defense of key installations around the island. I have mixed feelings about this deployment; there is pride in knowing that I have been trained well and prepared for this operation, but at the same time, I am apprehensive of this being our one and only opportunity to make our presence known to the public.

My team’s primary responsibility is to ensure the defence of our coastal area. Each shift can last up to eight hours before we are relieved by the next team. The role involves scanning our coast from a lofty tower, patrolling in a jeep, or even on foot! The searing heat and sudden rainstorms of this season will make this deployment a challenge. To me, national service means more than an obligation to my country and its defence, bonds are made with people from all walks of life, regardless of socioeconomic status, race or religion. We may come from different backgrounds but a common goal binds all of us together and we draw strength in our diversity and experiences. I have made many meaningful connections with the “NS brothers” I trained with.

Whenever we come back together, we always vividly reminisce on the grueling training and the laughter we shared in our earlier years. This camaraderie forged in the crucibles of blood and sweat is a part of the reason why we made a decision to protect one another and our nation.

One of the most memorable exercises that I went through was a disaster simulation. We had marched a considerable distance and we were all exhausted, then an officer simulated an air strike and I was chosen to be a casualty, which meant my team had to carry me on a stretcher. I couldn’t help but feel helpless on that stretcher, my burden on their shoulders, yet there were no complaints. We all knew in our hearts that together we could keep going forward. My heart nearly burst with pride!

Every year without fail, my team will comment in jest of their shoulder and joint “ailments” because they had to carry me and it’s my role to appease them gladly with drinks and snacks during our break time. As men who are not well versed in showing affection to one another, this is one of the small ways in which we connect.

The next time you see armed personnel patrolling Changi Airport, MRT stations or other key installations, know that these are our national servicemen, who have been through much together and have made a commitment to the defence of this place we call Singapore, our home.